Getting a new Debit Card can be very exciting and once it lands in your hands, the temptation to use it immediately is very high. But, a new Debit Card does not work without getting activated.
It is important to know how to activate a Debit Card so that you are not put in an awkward position when you use your new Debit Card for the first time.
It is possible to activate a Debit Card online and also offline via an ATM. These two are distinct procedures that are time bound. The Debit Card must be activated within a time period, or else the PIN number given by the bank becomes invalid. Once the PIN number becomes invalid, the Debit Card can only be activated by Phone Banking or by visiting the branch personally.
To avoid all these hassles, know the procedure of activating a Debit Card, and follow it immediately after you get your card.
How to activate a Debit Card?
The procedure is simple:
- Once you get your welcome kit from the bank, along with the Debit Card, there is an ATM pin given in a sealed envelope.
- When you go to the ATM, enter your Debit Card and enter the ATM pin provided in the welcome kit. On entering this PIN, you will be prompted to change your ATM PIN.
- Change your ATM PIN and use the card henceforth for regular transactions.
There is a way to activate a Debit Card online via NetBanking. For that,
- You need to login to the respective bank’s internet banking portal. Once you log in, go to the section marked as ‘Debit Card’.
- There will be instructions on how to generate an ATM PIN for your Debit Card.
- Generate an ATM PIN by following those instructions and your Debit Card will be activated online.
Some banks even have a procedure to activate the Debit Card via Phone Banking.
- There is usually a phone banking PIN or some identifier in the bank’s welcome kit. This can be used to identify yourself in phone banking conversations.
- Dial the bank’s phone banking number and use the PIN number or security questions to verify yourself.
- Once verified, follow the instructions to activate your Debit Card.
Some banks have an additional layer of security, where an OTP is sent to the registered mobile number while setting the ATM PIN in an ATM or via Phone Banking. This helps to ensure the verification and activation is authorised.
HDFC Bank has a seamless procedure to activate aDebit Card. By using NetBanking or Phone Banking, your new Debit Card can be activated in a matter of a few hours.
Here’s how to check yourDebit Card balance onlinenow.
Looking to apply for a Debit Card?New customers can get a newDebit Cardthrough opening a newSavings Accountwhile experiencing hassle-free banking with HDFC Bank.Existing HDFC Bank customers can get theirDebit Cardreissued within minutes here.
* Terms & conditions apply. Debit Card approvals are at sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd
FAQs
Call the bank's card activation number that can likely be found on the activation sticker on the front of your debit card. Listen to the prompts on your call and go through them to activate your card. You can also talk to a customer service employee, at the bank or on the phone, if you need assistance.
How to activate a debit card after renewal? ›
Things You Should Know
Take your debit card to an ATM owned by your bank, insert it, and enter your PIN. Follow the instructions on the screen to activate your card. Go to your bank's website or app and find the “Activation” option. Give them the necessary information for activating your card.
How do I start a debit card for the first time? ›
Before you can use a debit card, you may have to set a PIN (Personalized Identification Number) and activate the card by calling the bank's customer service number, using an ATM, or by confirming receipt through your bank account's website or mobile app.
Can I activate debit card from home? ›
You need to login to the respective bank's internet banking portal. Once you log in, go to the section marked as 'Debit Card'. There will be instructions on how to generate an ATM PIN for your Debit Card. Generate an ATM PIN by following those instructions and your Debit Card will be activated online.
How will I know my debit card is activated? ›
How do I know if my debit card is activated online? You will typically receive a confirmation message or email once your debit card is activated. Additionally, you can try making a small purchase or check your account balance and transaction history to confirm if your debit card is activated.
Is a new debit card automatically activated? ›
Is it important to activate my debit card? Yes, activating your debit card as soon as you receive it in the mail is a necessary step for you to use your card, and an important step to help protect yourself from fraud.
Is there a deadline for debit card activation? ›
There is no deadline for you to activate your ATM/debit card.
Do you need to activate your debit card to use it online? ›
You don't need to do anything to activate your debit card. You'll be able to use it to make online payments as soon as it arrives in the post.
What is the easiest way to use a debit card? ›
A debit card can be swiped or inserted at pretty much any payment machine that accepts debit and credit. It can also be used for online purchases. If your card has a chip (a tiny device embedded on the side of the card), insert the card into the machine and follow the prompts on the screen.
How does a debit card work for dummies? ›
How do debit cards work? When you open a checking account at a bank or credit union, you usually get a debit card. A debit card lets you spend money from your checking account without writing a check. When you pay with a debit card, the money comes out of your checking account immediately.
You will need to have your debit card with you to make the purchase. Once the salesperson has rung your items or services through, they will ask you how you would like to pay. You should then present your debit card to the merchant for payment. Swipe your card through the point of sale machine.
Where is the 4 digit PIN on a debit card? ›
Your ATM PIN is never written or printed on your debit card for security reasons. Instead, banks provide it to you separately through secure channels. By following these guidelines and keeping your ATM PIN confidential, you can ensure the security of your financial transactions in the Indian context.
What happens if I don't activate my debit card? ›
Basically nothing happens. The card is just one of the ways you can access your account, and not activating it just means you don't have that method of accessing your account available. question: I got a new debit card since the old one was expiring.
Do I have to go to an ATM to activate my card? ›
Many banks will allow you to activate your card online. Go to the bank's website, sign in, and click the “Customer Service” tab. Then, find the option for debit card activation and follow the prompts. Visit your bank to get your card activated in person.
Do new debit cards activate automatically? ›
Yes, activating your debit card as soon as you receive it in the mail is a necessary step for you to use your card, and an important step to help protect yourself from fraud.
How do I activate one debit card? ›
One debit card
- Select Activate Now from the Home tab or scan the QR code that came with your new card.
- Enter the requested details to verify your card information.
- Set a four-digit PIN.
If you recently activated your card and this is the first use, it is possible the activation process was not fully completed. The card provider may need to manually activate the card. Often, your card is declined for your protection to prevent fraudulent purchases.
